GSCO Guide

A publication for girls, parents and volunteers of Girl Scouts of Colorado.

GSCO
2013-14 GUIDE
for girls, parents and leaders
A MESSAGE FROM OUR CEO
The new GSCO—a lean, grassroots
organization focused on service
MEMBERSHIP CONNECTION
COMMITTEE (MCC)
The Membership Connection
Committee (a 28 member volunteer
committee) is the centerpiece of
our democratic process and a way
to give the Girl Scouts of Colorado
membership a strong voice in the
issues they care most about. The
MCC provides input, direction and
influence over major council policies
and decisions. They can’t do it
without your feedback! Your input
is crucial to our success.
Contact: mcc.gsco@gscolorado.org
List of MCC members:
girlscoutsofcolorado.org/
membership-connection-committee
COUNCIL’S CHIEF STAFFERS
Stephanie Foote
Chief Executive Officer
303-778-8774
stephanie.foote@gscolorado.org
Andy Jagger
Chief Financial Officer and
Chief Operations Officer
303-607-4825
andy.jagger@gscolorado.org
Jacky Noden
Chief Program Officer
303-607-4893
jackyk.noden@gscolorado.org
Margaret Miller
Chief Strategy Officer
303-607-4840
margaret.miller@gscolorado.org
Greg Movesian
Chief Development Officer
303-778-8774
greg.movesian@gscolorado.org
Rachelle Trujillo
Chief Marketing Officer
303-607-4822
rachelle.trujillo@gscolorado.org
Jan Haft
Chief Human Resources Officer
303-778-8774
jan.haft@gscolorado.org
At Girl Scouts of Colorado we are evolving and we’re hopeful for the
future because we believe in girls and we believe girls are worth the
investment. We’re Girl Scouts, and we are ready to take on the
challenges that face us and turn lemons into lemonade.
We’ve listened to and learned from you—our strongest supporters—
and our leadership has taken a critical look at our organization’s priorities. We are returning
to our roots and building a leaner, community-based council focused on providing the
best service possible to our current girl and adult members.
You’ve likely heard about the challenges facing the Girl Scout organization nationally and
here in Colorado. Declining membership, a reduction in cookie sale revenue and a liability
to an under-funded national pension plan have combined to create a need for change.
We have already reduced our annual budget by 23 percent ($2.7 million) by decreasing our
statewide operating costs and staffing by 42 positions. We anticipate reducing our budget
by an additional 5 percent ($600,000) by October 2013.
We’re working to diversify our revenue sources, reduce our property expenses and come
to a fair agreement with GSUSA to spread our pension liability over several years. We
are streamlining our operations and processes to provide a better experience for our
volunteers, and are implementing a new customer service philosophy that puts you back
at the center of our business.
These are the details behind the business of running a nonprofit organization that we
believe should be invisible to the girls enjoying their Girl Scout Leadership Experience, but
I share them with you because I know you care deeply about the organization’s future and
about girls.
The most important message is that Girl Scouts is all about leadership, sisterhood,
progression, empowerment and Taking Action…. Turn the page and see the images that
represent the 10 Essential Elements of Girl Scouting. This is what it’s all about—the girls
and their experience.
The following pages provide month-by-month program ideas, plus helpful tips for
volunteers and parents to keep your Girl Scout experience going strong. The events listed
here are only teasers for what is to come. Look through this Guide and you’ll get a good
start, but don’t forget to check the Activity Finder (girlscoutsofcolorado.org/activities)
for the most up-to-date information on events and activities for girls.
I’m excited about this year. I know girls are full of anticipation as they map out their new Girl
Scout year ahead. I invite you to join your girls with that same sense of hope and excitement.
And if you are able to, please go beyond giving your time, asking others to give theirs and
supporting the cookie sale—make a financial contribution to help restore the financial health
of our organization. We are working to establish an endowment where donations can be
directed that is expressly devoted to funding programs for girls. Girl Scouts has been helping
to build female leaders for more than 100 years. Invest in Colorado girls—they are worth it!
Make an online donation at girlscoutsofcolorado.org.
Stephanie Foote, CEO
3
This is what
Girl Scouting
is all about!
Belonging to a big sisterhood
Girls love having friends so close they call
them ‘sisters’ and they love being part of
something big. Girl Scouting is huge and
includes millions of girls who all share an
important mission—making the world a
better place.
Family
involvement
Girls want their
families to be
involved in the
great things they
are experiencing
in Girl Scouts.
Leadership
Girl Scouts wants
every girl to know
how to be a leader
in her own life
and in the world
around her.
Skill building through badge earning
Girls are proud to say, “See what I can do now!”
when they learn something new. Girl Scout
badges focus on building new skills.
Taking Action in our communities
Girls know they can make a difference in the
world around them.
Celebrating with
ceremonies
and traditions
Girl Scouts enjoy taking
part in time-honored
traditions and ceremonies.
They also like to make
up ceremonies that are
especially meaningful to
them—in fact, creating
brand-new ceremonies
is a Girl Scout tradition!
Girl-friendly
In Girl Scouting, it’s not just what our volunteers
do for girls, but how they do it that makes the
experience fun and meaningful. And girls doing
things together without boys around makes
Girl Scouting that much more powerful.
Expanding your
world view
Earning and learning through the
Cookie Program
As girls explore new
ideas, go to new places,
and meet new people,
their understanding
of the world—and of
what is possible for
them—grows.
When girls take part in the largest girl-led
business in the world (a.k.a. the Cookie
Program), they earn funds for their Girl Scout
activities. They also learn 5 Skills—Goal Setting,
Decision Making, Money Management, People
Skills, and Business Ethics—that will help them
in business and in life.
Growing through
Girl Scouts
with progression
The Girl Scout program
is built upon progression
from one level to the next.
Girls are more likely to stay
involved when they know
what lies ahead.
LEADERSHIP
When girls succeed, so does society
Girl Scouts can get her there
As of 2012, women made up only 18.3 percent of U.S. Congress
and 23.4 percent of statewide elective offices. Almost
4 percent of Fortune 500 CEOs are women and there’s not
a single woman among the CEOs and Board Chairs at the top
15 media companies.
Women represent half of the workforce in the United States,
and more than half of the country’s college students and
graduates are women. The potential for women to hold
leadership positions in business, entertainment, academia
and politics is high, but something is holding them back.
Only 1 in 5 girls believes she has what it takes to be a
good leader.
support others. They learn business skills as they progress in
their cookie-selling, and they see the world in a different way
when they travel and explore.
Girls and women have come a long way in the past 100 years
since the Girl Scouting movement got started, but these
statistics shed light on how much farther we have to go.
Girl Scout Leader Jean Beucler, of Fort Collins, has been with
her troop for six years and has watched them grow as leaders.
So what is happening? What is so discouraging for
girls today?
She is lacking role models and mentors, especially in highpaying STEM careers. (Four in 10 girls say they’ve had no
opportunities to interact with successful women in the last
school year.)
She is confronted by unhealthy images about female beauty
(59 percent of girls say the fashion industry makes them feel
fat.). And the bullying mentality of peers holds her back.
(85 percent of middle school students say they’ve been
cyber-bullied at least once.)
A solution: The Girl Scout Leadership Experience
Girl Scouts of Colorado directly combats these hurdles with
events and programming such as Golden Goddess, a selfesteem and body image program; Power Up, an anti-bullying
program that teaches the bystander to bullying how to
intervene; Lighten Up, and other science, technology,
engineering and math collaborations.
The Girl Scout program builds leadership skills in everything
the girls do. Girl Scouts’ “secret sauce”—skill-building activities
that encompass three key features: hands-on experiential
learning, girl-led choices and cooperative engagement.
Girls join to have fun, sell cookies and meet new friends,
but they grow as leaders each time they help plan a troop
activity, advocate for issues or rally the community to
6
“When I became the leader of (Troop 71106) my girls needed
prompting and specific directions at every turn in the road, …”
she said. “Today they plan menus, cook with camp stoves, but
are just as comfortable in the kitchen of the homeless shelter.
They can plan a camp, international trip or $70,000 fundraising
project. Their confidence in their leadership abilities has been
nurtured by the support of the group.”
Girl Scouting’s prowess in creating female leaders is evident
with one look at our alumnae. More than 60 percent of
alumnae with six-plus years of Girl Scouting experience think
of themselves as leaders. Fifty-seven percent of alumnae
say their Girl Scout experience made them feel more
empowered. Fifty-four percent of alumnae say Girl Scouts
gave them leadership opportunities not available elsewhere.
Fort Collins High School graduate Angela Natrasevschi, a
Girl Scout for 12 years, credits her Girl Scout experience
for shaping her into the leader she is today.“Girl Scouts has
changed my life,” she said.
Girl Scouting builds girls of courage,
confidence and character who make
the world a better place. We’re so glad
you’ve joined!
September
2 – Labor Day, Girl Scouts of Colorado offices closed
3 – Leader Kick-off, Cortez, V
4 – Leader Kick-off, Pagosa Springs, V
5 – Leader Kick-off, Durango, V
6 – Fall Product Sale Rally: kick-off event for the
Fall Product Sale, Pueblo, E
6 – Brainstorming Session: share your ideas for future
events, Fort Collins, S, A, V
7 – Brainstorming Session: share your ideas for future
events, Fort Collins, D, B, J, C, V
7 – Fall Product Sale Rally: kick-off event for the
Fall Product Sale, Cortez, E
7 – Fallapalooza: adult training event, Grand Junction, V
7 – Chalk It Up: a Girl Scout community arts event,
Pueblo, E
7 – Community Service Opportunity: Rocky Mountain
PBS KIDS Fun Fest Booth, Denver, E
7-9 – Reach for the Peak: an outdoor skills competition,
Sky High Ranch, J, C, S
8 – Gold Award Training: required for girls who are
ready to “Go Gold,” Denver, C, S, A
Program Level Key
S = Senior
A = Ambassador
V = Volunteer
E = Everyone
D = Daisy
B = Brownie
J = Junior
C = Cadette
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12 – T
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Colorado Springs, adults only
12 – G
old Award Committee Meeting: interviews and
final presentations, Denver, S, A
14 – Fall Product Sale Rally: kick-off event for the Fall
Product Sale, Colorado Springs, E
20-22 – Keystone Science Camp I and II for Lake,
Eagle, and Chaffee counties, B, J, C, S, A
21 – Fall Product Sale begins, E
21 – Street Smarts: Denver Girl Scouts “Get Moving”,
navigate transportation systems, Denver, J
21 – Fallapalooza: adult training event, Fort Collins, V
24 – Pueblo Community Bloomin’ Breakfast, Pueblo,
adults only
27-29 – Keystone Science Camp for Summit and
Lake counties, B, J, C, S, A
28 – M
inipalooza: adult training event, Pueblo, V
28 – S
cout Night at Denver Zoo, Denver, E
29 – Membership registration deadline, make sure
your troop is reregistered before rosters disappear
from Troop Management, V
Quick Tips Key
Leaders
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Quick Start Guides
available
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7
VOLUNTEER
Volunteering has its rewards
Girls need you; step up today
Each of the 9,000 current Girl Scout volunteers has a reason
for leading a troop, helping at camp, working with girls at an
event or helping out behind the scenes. The most common
situation is no one else raised a hand.
“I witnessed those girls start as shy, timid, unfocused 7-8 year
olds and blossom into beautiful ladies who love each other
dearly,” wrote Meaghan Burns, a troop leader in Littleton.
“I feel so proud at the growth they have exhibited.
Not many sign on with the expectation that it’s going to be
a vastly fulfilling experience for themselves, yet, in the end,
often it is.
“They have learned through Girl Scouts to help others, to be
open minded, to be accepting of differences, to be a leader
among their own peers and to foster these values in their
school, their church, their neighborhoods and with other
Girl Scouts. I am amazed at these girls and feel grateful that
I took the time to get to know them and be their mentor in
leadership. I am looking forward to continuing with them in
their leadership journey as they start to look ahead to working
on their Gold Award, planning their travel to Europe, and
continuing their work with younger Girl Scouts. I do not regret
a single minute I have spent being a Girl Scout leader, and I
am so honored that these girls have let me in their lives.”
It’s not always easy, but the privilege of guiding a group of
young girls, growing with them, witnessing their passion
and sparks change over time and with maturity, and watching
them progress as leaders and global citizens is rewarding in
so many ways.
Being a Girl Scout troop leader, who sticks with a group
of girls over a number of years, whether they start in
kindergarten or in 6th grade, is an impactful place to be.
Teachers only get kids for one year, coaches have them just for
the season, but a troop leader can really watch them grow.
Troop Leader Training Updates
Girl Scouting 101: An online, self-paced tutorial for all
Girl Scout volunteers.
Nuts and Bolts: A class for new leaders, focused on the
skills and information you need for the first 30 days of
troop leadership, offered online and in-person.
New! Age Level Training: For new troop leaders, or troop
leaders moving to a new age level, this class is hands-on
and will provide you with great resources for providing
the Girl Scout Leadership Experience to girls.
Overnights: Now offered for free! Required before any
overnight trip with girls.
Extended Trips: Now offered for free! Required before
taking any Girl Scout trips of three or more nights.
Cooking and Camping: Required before camping in tents
and/or outdoor cooking.
8
Fallapalooza: A full day of volunteer training and
enrichment workshops, networking, and a chance
to share your thoughts with the volunteers on the
Membership Connection Committee.
Minipalooza: A shorter, local version of Fallapalooza.
Springaganza: A weekend of training, outdoor activities,
relaxation, and connection with other Girl Scout volunteers.
All trainings will be scheduled
regionally throughout the year.
Please check the Activity Finder
for the most up-to-date training
schedule for your area!
October
1 – On-time Membership Registration deadline,
Statewide, E
1-31 – Learning Disability Awareness Month, do the
Including All Girls Patch program (girlscoutsofcolorado.org/inclusion), Statewide, E
5 – Fallapalooza: adult training event, Boulder, V
10 – Thin Mint Dinner: Women of Distinction Event,
Denver, adults only
12 – Rocks and Roles–Women on the Ridge: fun with
geoscientists at Dinosaur Ridge, Morrison, E
12-13 – Be a Friend First: a bully prevention series based
on the aMAZE Journey, Grand Junction, C
13 – Fall Product Sale ends, E
13 – Gold Award Training: required for girls who are
ready to “Go Gold,” Denver, C, S, A
14 – Fall Product Sale order form and money due to
Troop Fall Sale Manager, E
17 – Gold Award Committee Meeting: interviews and
final presentations, Denver, S, A
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18 – B
etty Girl Scout Happy Hour: beer pairing and
cookies at SKA Brewery, Durango, adults only
19 – Cool Science: activities include photography, space
suit design, dry ice display, and a chemical magic
show, United States Air Force Academy, D, B
19 – Day of Dance with the Colorado Ballet, Denver,
D, B, J, C, S, A
25-27 – K
eystone Science Camp III and IV for Lake,
Eagle, and Chaffee County, B, J, C, S, A
26 – Make a Difference Day, E
10/30 – 11/10 – Fall Product Sale delivery, E
31 – Founders Day: Juliette Gordon Low’s Birthday,
Statewide, E
Other October events – dates TBD
» Engineering Badge Day, School of Mines, Golden, J
» Scouting and Soccer, Dick’s Sporting Goods Park, E
» Fall Festival, Durango, E
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9
FINANCIAL LITERACY
Girl Scouts builds money sense
Study shows girls arenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t confident in world of
finances but want to learn
The American dream is alive and well among girls, according
to a new report by the Girl Scout Research Institute, which
reveals that girls feel optimistic about their financial futures,
yet are less than fully knowledgeable about essential financial
principles and instruments, from using credit cards to
establishing good credit. And just 12 percent of the girls
surveyed say they feel confident in making financial decisions.
The study, which surveyed 1,040 girls ages 8 to 17, found
that girls are averse to debt. However, in order to avoid debt,
these girls say they need more education about how credit
works. In fact, nearly 4 in 10 girls say they donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t know how to
use a credit card, only 38 percent know what a credit score
is, and just 37 percent know how credit card interest and fees
work. Perhaps not surprisingly, a vast majority (90 percent)
say that it is important for them to learn how to manage
their money.
Despite the recession and economic uncertainty, girls are
bullish about their financial futures. Some 88 percent say
they are likely to make more money than their parents, and
nearly all girls say it is likely that they will have jobs or careers
they enjoy (98 percent), be able to provide for their families
(96 percent), and own their own homes (95 percent) one day.
This generation of girls is financially empowered and
independent. A great majority feels gender is no barrier to
what they can accomplish financially, and they envision a
future family structure where they are fully engaged in
financial decision making and planning. When it comes to
financial capability, 7 in 10 girls say both men and women
are equally likely to be financially responsible (73 percent)
or in a lot of debt (72 percent).
Girl Scouts offers a financial empowerment program through
the Cookie Program and other programs that ensures girls
have the opportunities to build their business sense and
hone their financial literacy skills. Girls build on these skills
as they progress through the Kâ&#x2C6;&#x2019;12 curriculum to become
knowledgeable, confident, and self-reliant participants in
a global economy. Whether a girl is working to earn the
Financing My Future badge or the Money Manager badge,
she is developing financial savvy, business skills, and
innovative thinking.
10
November
2 – Day of the Dead/Día de los Muertos event: learn
about this traditional Mexican holiday while also
celebrating the Girl Scout founder, Juliette Low,
Colorado Springs and Trinidad, E
4 – Day of the Dead/Día de los Muertos event: learn
about this traditional Mexican holiday, Denver, E
9 – Feed the Piggy Bank, financial literacy,
Grand Junction, D, B, J, C
10– The CELL, Counterterrorism Education Learning
Lab, 1-3 p.m. “The Big Picture of Public Safety” Earn
the Social Innovator badge, Denver, S, A
10 – Take Action Training: take your service projects
to the next level and get ready for the Bronze, Silver
and Gold Award, Denver, S, A, V
11 – Veterans Day, E
16 – Community Service Day with Project C.U.R.E.
and Children’s Hospital Colorado, Denver, E
16 – Cool Science: activities include photography,
space suit design, dry ice display, and a chemical
magic show, United States Air Force Academy, J
21 – G
old Award Committee Meeting: interviews and
final presentations, Denver, S, A
23 – National Family Volunteer Day, E
25-29 – G
irl Scouts of Colorado Offices are closed
for Thanksgiving/Fall Break
Other November events, dates TBD
» Highest Awards Celebration: celebrate the Bronze,
Silver, and Gold Awardees, Grand Junction, E
» It’s Your Business—Run It, Durango and Pagosa
Springs, B, J, C
» It’s Your Business—Run It, Colorado Springs, D, B
» It’s Your Business—Run It, Colorado Springs, J, C
» Cookie Rally, Pueblo, LaJunta, Lamar, Alamosa, E
» Media Retreat: work with media professionals to
Take Action for your MEdia Journey, Cortez and
Pagosa Springs, C
Fun w
i
th a P
Be a Friend First
Girl Scouts has a new series program
called “BFF: Be a Friend First” for
Cadettes – based on the aMAZE
Journey. forgirls.girlscouts.org/bff/
Help start a series at your middle
school by talking with a Program
Support Specialist in your area.
Make Your Ow
n Badge
Did you know
girls can earn a
“Make
Your Own” badg
e each year? C
heck
out the online
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fun, interactiv
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dges.
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11
TAKE ACTION
Girls make a difference in the world around them
Community service is a part of Girl Scouting from the start. From the youngest Daisies to the seasoned Ambassadors,
Girl Scouts are making the world a better place.
To find out how other girls are helping their communities, check out the online Map It! tool, (forgirls.girlscouts.org/map-itgirls-changing-the-world/) where girls can post their Take Action and Bronze/Silver/Gold award projects. Or share and view
local girls’ Take Action projects on our GSCO Wall of Fame (girlscoutsofcolorado.org/wall-of-fame)
Service vs. Action: What’s the difference?
Girl Scouts often do both community service and Take Action projects. Both kinds of projects help communities in different
ways. Direct and immediate service changes something right now. Longer-lasting Take Action gets at the root cause of issues.
To complete a Journey or a Highest Award, girls do a Take Action project (which some people call service learning).
Three awards: one life-changing experience
Girl Scouts’ Highest Awards are designed to help a girl and her team make a lasting difference in their community. She’ll grow into
her best self. She’ll become more focused, a better time manager, and a more effective team player. She’ll grow in confidence.
Inspire others. And set the stage for a lifetime of achievement. Girl Scouts makes the world smaller and the girl bigger.
The highest awards are:
Bronze Award, the highest award
a Junior Girl Scout can earn.
Silver Award, the highest earned
award for Cadette Girl Scouts.
Gold Award, the highest award
a girl can achieve in Girl Scouting.
The steps to earn the awards are more in depth at each level, but include:
Go on a Girl Scout Journey (or 2 Journeys for Gold if you haven’t earned the Silver)
» Identify an issue
» Take Action (Bronze and Silver Awards can
» Investigate it thoroughly
be earned in small groups or teams, but the
» Get help and build your team
Gold Award is an individual project)
» Create a plan
» Educate and Inspire
»P
resent your plan and gather feedback (for Gold, this
» Celebrate!
is when you submit your proposal and interview with
the committee for approval)
There is no council approval needed for Bronze or Silver Awards (before you begin your project, or upon completion), but
please submit the Final Report so we can acknowledge your hard work!
For the Gold Award, girls officially begin their projects after submitting an online proposal, interviewing with the Gold Award
Committee, and receiving approval to get started. A final presentation is also required.
Statewide contact info: Kristin Courington, 303-607-4863, highestawards@gscolorado.org
Helpful Links: Go to girlscoutsofcolorado.org/highest-awards to find general information about each award and
links to final reports.
12
December
5 – International Volunteer Day, E
6 – Cookie initial order from troops due, E
6-8 – Keystone Science Camp V and VI for Lake, Eagle,
and Chaffee County, B, J, C, S, A
8 – DU Hip Hop and Hoops: watch a DU Women’s Basketball Game and learn to cheer and dance, Denver, E
15 – Gold Award Training: required for girls who are
ready to “Go Gold”, webinar, C, S, A
19 – Gold Award Committee meeting: interviews and
final presentations, Denver, S, A
12/23-1/3 – Girl Scouts of Colorado Offices are closed
for Winter Break
Other December events, dates TBD
» Welcome to the Daisy Flower Garden, Denver, D, V
» Take Action Training: help girls plan service projects
and get ready for Highest Awards, Colorado Springs,
Durango and Pueblo, C, S, A, V
» Global Action Challenge in Southwest Colorado, E
» Holiday Party, Mancos, E
» Mitten Tree Activity, Western Slope, E
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13
COOKIES
There’s more to Girl Scout Cookies than what’s in the box
When a Girl Scout sells cookies, she’s building a lifetime of skills and confidence. She learns goal setting, decision making,
money management, people skills, and business ethics—aspects essential to leadership, to success, and to life.
By putting her mind and energies to something, a Girl Scout can overcome any challenge. There are no limits. She can be
anything. She can do anything.
Cookies Now! program dates
January 26 – March 2
Selling the six most popular varieties
Do-si-Dos, Samoas, Savannah Smiles, Tagalongs, Thin Mints and Trefoils.
Since inventory management has been a big challenge for non-chocolate varieties, we’re asking that you order only what
you think you can sell. Non-chocolate varieties cannot be returned this year.
NEW! Personal Booth Sales are a go from day one!
» Get creative and think about where girls can arrange their own Booth Sales throughout the entire sale. You still need to get
them approved so they can get in eBudde and you’ll get the bonus of public promotions through the Cookie Locator website
and mobile app!
» Council contracted sites such as Walmart, Sam’s Club, Safeway, King Soopers and Albertsons will run Feb. 7– March 2.
GSCO joins the rest of the country with cookies at $4/package
» Sell 250 packages per selling girl, earn an extra 10 cents in troop profit – 70 cents per package (those below 250 PGA will
earn an extra 5 cents per package – 65 cents per package)
» An even dollar amount means leaving the quarters at home! Customers can now purchase five packages for $20—how
sweet is that!
» New, more, better incentives such as gift cards to Build-A-Bear or American Girl, a Girl Scouts of Colorado sports duffle bag,
a weekend at Jellystone Park, an opportunity to be entered into a drawing to win a Samsung Galaxy Tablet, an extended stay
camping kit and more!
Other cookie news
» Top 14 cookie sellers in 2014 will be invited to lunch with Colorado’s top female businesswomen, including Girl Scouts of
Colorado’s CEO and Board Chair.
» Mystery houses are back! Find one of 350 houses throughout Colorado to earn an exciting prize!
» Celebrate National Girl Scout Cookie Day again in February, this year celebrated as National Girl Scout Cookie Weekend on
Friday, Feb. 7, and Saturday, Feb. 8.
» Kickoff the cookie program with another great virtual National Girl Scout Cookie Sleepover on Jan. 11.
Learn more
» Visit Cookies on the Girl Scouts of Colorado website at girlscoutsofcolorado.org/cookies
» News for volunteers/parents on the GSCO Product Sales Facebook page at facebook.com/gscoproductsales
14
January
Other January events, dates TBD
» Gold Award Training: required for girls who are ready
to “Go Gold,” Denver Metro, C, S, A
» Mall Lock-In, stay up all night for this year’s Hollywood
themed activities, Colorado Springs, C, S, A
» DU Gymnastics Meet and Greet: attend a gymnastics
event and meet the gymnasts, Denver, E
» Civic Girls: earn your Citizen badge, Southwest
Colorado, B, J, C
» Cookie Rallies, Northern Colorado, Grand Junction,
Rifle, Montrose/Delta, Colorado Springs, Southwest
Colorado, E
11 – National Cookie Sleepover, D, B, J, C, S, A
16 – Gold Award Committee Meeting: interviews and
final presentations, Denver, S, A
16 – Cookie Rally: get ready for the start of the Cookie
Program, Denver, E
20 – Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Birthday (observed):
national day of service, GSCO offices closed, E
20-25 – Cookie deliveries to volunteers begin, V
26 – Cookie Sale Go Date, E
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5 Skills
To learn more about the
5 Skills, download “What to
Do First: 5 Skills for Girls”
and the Girl Scout Cookie
Activity Pin requirements
at forgirls.girlscouts.org
15
TRADITIONS
Traditions, ceremonies celebrate sisterhood
Ceremonies and traditions help tie Girl Scouts together
across different communities, decades or even generations.
They show that weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re all part of a huge sisterhood and our
shared history makes us feel close. World Thinking Day in
February is a great time to reflect on the traditions and
sisterhood we share.
Girl Scouts love ceremonies and traditions. Bridging
ceremonies mark the transition from one program level
to another. Investiture welcomes new members into the
Girl Scout family.
Rededication ceremonies give girls and adults
opportunities to renew their commitment to the
Girl Scout Promise and Law.
16
Journey ceremonies celebrate milestones reached as
girls earn a Journey award. Bronze, Silver and Gold Award
ceremonies honor girls who have achieved the highest award
at their program level.
There are even opening and closing ceremonies and often
troops make up their own traditions and ceremonies to
create their own special memories.
GSCO Guide
The spring/summer program guide is coming to you
in January for great upcoming opportunities in the
outdoors and beyond.
February
5 – National Girls and Women in Sports Day, E
6 – Gold Award Committee Meeting: interviews and
final presentations, Denver, S, A
7 – Cookie Booth Sales begin, E
7-8 – National Girl Scout Cookie Days, E
8 – Cool Science: activities include photography, space
suit design, dry ice display, and a chemical magic
show, United States Air Force Academy, D, B
9 – Take Action Training: help girls plan service projects
and get ready for Highest Awards, Denver, S, A, V
10-16 – National Random Acts of Kindness Week
14 – Valentine’s Day
17 – Presidents Day, GSCO offices closed
20 – Gold Award Committee Meeting: final
presentations, Denver, S, A
22 – World Thinking Day, E
22 – World Thinking Day Event, Cortez and Durango, E
Other February events, dates TBD
» World Thinking Day Celebration, Colorado Springs,
D, B, J, C, S, A
Cadettes: Want to be a
Program Aide?
» Earn one “Leader in Action” LIA Award by
assisting Brownies.
» Attend Basic Program Aide Training.
(Program Aide Training will be scheduled
regionally October-April. Check the Activity
Finder for details!)
» Complete an “internship” of at least 6 sessions
(10 hours total) working with younger girls,
girlscoutsofcolorado.org/program-aides
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your girls.
17
LIVE HEALTHY, LEAD HEALTHY
Girl Scouts make healthy choices
Whether they’re hiking, trying a new sport or preparing tasty nutritious snacks, Girl Scouts enjoy many fun ways to lead healthy
lives. In Girl Scouting, healthy living is about physical, emotional and social health.
Girl Scouts across Colorado are encouraged to take advantage of our partnership with zisboombah.com and also to attend
Healthy Living-themed events that will be scheduled across the state in March.
Girls can also work on Healthy Living badges:
Daisy: Respect Myself and Others Petal, Between Earth and
Sky Journey with Health Habits Supplement Book, 3 Cheers
for Animals Journey
Cadette: MEdia Journey, Breathe Journey, aMAZE Journey,
Trailblazing, Eating for Beauty, Good Sportsmanship, New
Cuisines, 1st Aid (GSCO Golden Goddess Signature Program)
Brownie: WOW Journey with Healthy Habits Supplement
Book, World of Girls Journey, Hiker, Dancer, My Best Self,
Snacks, My Great Day, Athlete/Fair Play, 1st Aid
Senior: Sow What Journey, Adventurer, Troupe Performer,
Women’s Health, Traveler, Locavore, Cross Training, 1st Aid
Junior: Get Moving Journey with Healthy Habits Supplement
Book, Camper, Independence, Staying Fit, Athlete/Practice
with Purpose, Simple Meals, 1st Aid
18
Ambassador: Justice Journey, Dinner Party, Coaching, 1st Aid
March
1 – Bronze, Silver, and Gold Award Final Reports due
for inclusion in 2014 celebrations
2 – Cookie Program ends, E
8 – International Women’s Day
8 – DU Hockey: Me & My Guy, Denver, E
9 – DU Guys and Gals Hockey: Girl Scout Night at
a DU Hockey Game, Denver, E
9 – Girl Scout Sunday
9-15 – Girl Scout Week
12 – Girl Scouts 102nd Birthday
15 – Girl Scout Sabbath
20 – Gold Award Committee Meeting: interviews and
final presentations, Denver, S, A
22 – World Day for Water
Other March events, dates TBD
» Gold Award Training: required for girls who are ready
to “Go Gold”, Denver Metro, C, S, A
» Sports Extravaganza with the US Olympic Training
Center, Colorado Springs, E
» Winter Chill Out, Southwest CO, B, J, C, S, A
» WinterFest Family Day: experience Lazy Acres in the
winter and participate in games, crafts, and challenges,
Lazy Acres, E
» Golden Goddess: Learn how to recognize foods that
promote healthy bodies, minds, and moods, Colorado
Springs, J, C
» Healthy Living Event, Southwest Colorado,
Montrose/Delta, Grand Junction, Glenwood Springs
and Meeker, E
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19
STEM
Grow girls’ interest in science,
technology, engineering and math
Girls push boundaries, test limits, and look at the world
around them with inquisitive eyes. They’re natural scientists!
Girl Scouts introduces girls of every age to science, technology,
engineering and math experiences relevant to everyday life.
Whether they’re discovering how a car’s engine runs, how to
manage finances, or exploring careers in STEM fields, girls are
fast-forwarding into the future.
STEM activities are woven through all program levels and
all Journeys, giving girls a chance to explore the fascinating
world of STEM.
Earn your badges
with Butterfly Pavilion!
Explore native
habitats through our
Girl Scout Nature
Adventure to the
Encounter class!
realm of tarantulas,
sea creatures,
butterflies, and a
real rainforest!
Transport your troop
to Butterfly Pavilion –
the zoo of small
wonders and BIG
experiences!
Or bring our bugs to you
by booking our Bug Mobile!
To book, visit www.butterflies.org or email registrar@butterflies.org.
6252 West 104 th Avenue | Westminster, CO 80020
20
April
4-6 – Cooking and Camping Training, plus rock climbing
trip with Kling Mountain Guides, Moab, J, C, S, A, V
5 – Cool Science: activities include photography, space
suit design, dry ice display, and a chemical magic
show, United States Air Force Academy, C, S, A
5 – Day of Dance: learn to dance with the Colorado
Ballet, Denver, D, B, J, C, S, A
12 – Cool Science: activities include photography, space
suit design, dry ice display, and a chemical magic
show, United States Air Force Academy, J
15 – Early Bird Registration for 2014-2015 begins, E
17 – Gold Award Committee meeting: interviews and
final presentations, Denver, S, A
19 – Earth Day Take Action Community Project,
Pueblo and LaJunta, B, J, C, S, A
20-26 – National Volunteer Week
22 – Earth Day and Girl Scout Volunteer Day
28 – Highest Awards Celebration: to celebrate girls who
earned the Silver and Gold Award, Highlands Ranch, E
30 – El Día de los Niños/Children’s Day
Other April events, dates TBD
» STEM Sleepover, Math and Science Center,
Grand Junction, B, J, C
» Digital Movie Maker badge, Microsoft store, Lone Tree, C
» Digital Photography badge, Microsoft store, Lone Tree, J
» Computer Expert badge, Microsoft store, Lone Tree, B
» Challenger Learning Center Workshops, these
workshops will occur throughout the year, watch the
Activity Finder for dates, Colorado Springs, J, C, S, A
» Lighten Up: the science of optics and light, statewide,
B, J, C
» Take Action Training: help girls plan service projects
and get ready for Highest Awards, Pueblo, S, A, V
» Earth Day Extravaganza, Colorado Springs and
Denver, D, B, J, C, S, A
» Springaganza: adult volunteer retreat, Colorado
Springs and Tomahawk Ranch, V
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21
GLOBAL GIRL SCOUTING
A girl’s place in the larger world
Global Girl Scouting is dedicated to ensuring opportunities for girls to understand their relationship to the larger world—even if
they do not travel beyond their local community—so they develop into responsible global citizens.
Through Global Girl Scouting, Girl Scouts can:
Exciting international travel opportunities
» Earn the Girl Scouts Global Action Award and Take Action
on global issues.
June 20–July 3, Sights, Sounds and Smells of India
Visit the Sangam World Centre in unforgettable India for a
great introduction to the diversity of this ancient, yet ever
changing country. Girls must be 16-18 years old.
girlscoutsofcolorado.org/events/1278
» Participate in World Thinking Day on February 22. On this day,
all Girl Guides/Girl Scouts are encouraged to think of each
other and what it means to be a part of a world movement.
» Visit the four WAGGGS World Centers, located in England,
Switzerland, India and Mexico.
» Participate in international travel. By traveling to events in
other WAGGGS member countries, girls can learn about
other cultures, make new friends, build leadership skills, and
share ideas with women and girls from around the globe.
» Help promote global friendship and understanding by
supporting the Juliette Low World Friendship Fund.
June 23–July 2, Costa Rica—Touch of
the Tropics
A fast paced, exciting trip with EF
Tours, includes horseback riding,
kayaking, white water rafting and
more. Girls must have completed
5th grade.
eftours.com/preview-tour.
aspx?gt=1341512
Planning a trip with your troop? Visit girlscoutsofcolorado.org/
travel-forms to get started.
GSCO Guide spring/summer
Keep your Girl Scout Leadership Experience going
strong all spring and summer long. Check the spring/
summer GSCO Guide (available in January) for dates in
May and beyond.
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23
P.O. Box 9407
Denver, CO 80209-0407
Address Service Requested
Regional Contacts
Colorado Springs
719-597-8603
Grand Junction
970-242-4461
Denver
303-778-8774
Mountain Communities
970-628-8006
Durango
970-375-7913
Pueblo
719-543-4690
Fort Collins
970-493-1844
Follow Girl Scouts of Colorado at girlscoutsofcolo
Customer Support
1-877-404-5708
facebook.com/girlscoutsofcolorado
twitter.com/gscolo
girlscoutsofcolorado.org
Girl Scouts of Colorado is a United Way agency.
Tours for Girl Scouts
速
DISCOVER THE WORLD WITH YOUR GIRLS
With dozens of itineraries designed just for Girl Scouts, EF makes it easy.
Call now for the best savings. 800-457-9023.
DOWNLOAD A FREE EBROCHURE AT EFTOURS.COM/GSEXPLORE
Tours are sold and operated by EF. Neither the tours nor EF are associated or affiliated with, nor endorsed by, Girl Scouts of the USA.